OBTAINING A CARD

Anyone is welcome to browse through our libraries but a library card will entitle you to the privilege of borrowing items or using special services and resources. 

Obtaining a Card - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a card?

• Come to one of our libraries.
• Bring one (1) form of identification showing your current address. Examples include driver’s license, current utility bill, or tax payment.

Is there a charge for the card?

• No, your first card is free. 
• Loss of card will entail a $2.00 replacement fee. 
• An annual fee of $5.00 is required of those living outside our service area.

What is the library’s service area and who can register for a card?

In order to obtain a free card, you must: 

• Live, own land, work or go to school in Washington County.
• Live in an adjacent county or city having a reciprocal borrowing agreement with us. We have borrowing agreements with the city of Bristol and the counties of Bland, Grayson, Russell, Smyth, Scott, Tazewell, and Wythe, in Virginia, and Johnson County, Tennessee. 
• If you do not live in our service area an annual fee of $5.00 will entitle you to a card.
• If you are a short-term resident or visitor, apply for a “temporary” card.

Are there any age limits on obtaining a card?

• Signature of parent or guardian is required for library cards and Internet usage of those under the age of 18.

What if I lose my card?

• There is a $2.00 fee for replacing a lost card.

Is my card good forever?

• Yes! We will renew your card every two years by asking you to verify your address.
• We do reserve the right to block your account, however, if you have an excessive number of overdue items or damaged items.

Should I allow anyone else to use my  library card?

• We advise you not to because you will be responsible for any unreturned or damaged items.

When do I need to present my library card?

Your library card is needed when you:

• Check out materials.
• Use the Internet in our libraries.
• Access our online resources outside of our library.
• Renew materials in person or on the telephone.
• Make any requests for reserves, new acquisitions and interlibrary loans.

Is my card good outside the WCPL system?

Yes. You may use your card at any of the libraries in the HAL consortium: the colleges of Emory & Henry, Virginia Intermont, King, Bluefield and Milligan, and Tazewell County Public Library.

What else do I need to know about having a library card with the WCPLS?

• Businesses, schools, or organizations may register for a card in their group's name, allowing anyone who presents the card to check out items.

What is A Key Tag and who can get one?

If you are a member of the Friends of the Library you may obtain a special key tag that attaches to your key ring and includes your library card barcode number. You can use this key tag in lieu of a regular card or in addition to your regular card.

The key tag is:

• Small and usually convenient.
• Available for only a $5.00 annual membership to the Friends organization.

Freedom of Access

With your library card comes the freedom of access to the broad range of materials offered by the Washington County Public Library System. Our library reflects the diverse interests and opinions in our community in its collections of print and audiovisual materials, as well as access to the vast resources of the Internet. We realize that all of these materials are not suitable for everyone, and the library upholds the right of each cardholder to select or reject items based on his or her individual needs and preference. We also encourage parents and legal guardians to guide and participate in their children's use of the library. Copies of the American Library Association Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statement are available on request.